Frequently Asked Questions

Sí. El idioma no debe ser una barrera para acceder al apoyo. Si necesita ayuda en español u otro idioma, comuníquese con nosotros directamente al pier@ivcdo.org o llame al 541-592-4440. Ofrecemos asistencia con la traducción para asegurar que todos los dueños de negocios elegibles puedan solicitar con confianza.

Yes. To be eligible for the PIER Microenterprise Grant or Revolving Loan Fund, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Be located in Jackson County, Oregon
• Have 5 or fewer employees (for grants) or meet small business criteria (for loans)
• Serve low- to moderate-income individuals, or address urgent community needs
• Either:
  – Have been directly impacted by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, or
  – Have been established as a response to meet critical needs resulting from the fires (e.g., housing, cleanup, public safety, health services)

This program recognizes that recovery includes not only helping those who suffered losses, but also supporting the small businesses that stepped up to meet the needs of their neighbors.

Questions about eligibility? We’re here to help. Contact us at pier@ivcdo.org or 541-592-4440.

Funding is limited and available in rounds — so apply early. Once funds are awarded, we may not be able to reopen the application until additional rounds are announced.

Grant Program – Round One

The first round of applications for the PIER Microenterprise Grant Program will be accepted from June 9 – August 16 followed by a review process. Awards will be made in the fall. Recipients will be expected to fully expend grant funds within 12 months.

Grant Program – Round Two

The second round of the PIER Microenterprise Grant Program will open in the spring of 2026.

The Revolving Loan Program

Funding for the Jackson County PIER Revolving Loan Fund will open July 1st. Each application will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis. This $500,000 principal will continue to be loaned out to small businesses in Jackson County in perpetuity.

Round 1 of the Microenterprise Grant Program will award $350,000 with grants up to $15,000 each.

All applications submitted before August 16th will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The applications will then be reviewed by a committee and scored based on our rubric to determine who receives grant awards.

You’re not alone. Many small business owners are applying for the first time. Our team is here to walk you through the process with respect, patience, and encouragement. We’ll help you every step of the way. You can also reach out to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free, one-on-one business advising: 📞

There are no wrong questions — and you don’t have to do this alone.

No. The PIER Program is overseen by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) as part of the ReOregon disaster recovery initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). OHCS manages the program at the state level, ensuring compliance, funding distribution, and program integrity.

IVCanDO was chosen by the PIER selection committee to administer the microenterprise grant program and the Jackson County PIER Revolving Loan Fund. We are a local implementation partner — we developed these programs with OHCS to meet specific needs identified by the Jackson County community following the 2020 Labor Day disasters. Our role includes outreach, program administration, participant relations, technical assistance, and ensuring small and micro-businesses in Jackson county can access the resources available.

In short: IVCanDO created and operates these programs, with support from OHCS, to ensure those funds reach the people and businesses who need them most.

For more information about the ReOregon program and OHCS’s leadership, visit:
🔗 About ReOregon – Oregon Housing and Community Services

🔗About Oregon Housing and Community Services

Yes. We offer translation support to ensure language is never a barrier. Email us for help in any language or to request assistance in other languages at pier@ivcdo.org

Examples of eligible economic revitalization and recovery/rebuilding activities include but are not limited to:

• Working Capital for:

  • Inventory

  • Operating Costs, Utility bills, Insurance, Licenses and Permits

  • Staffing/Salaries/Benefits

  • Moveable Equipment

  • Mortgage/rent payments

  • General business supplies

  • Expansion of services

  • Marketing Costs

  • Business related travel/transportation

• Construction projects on buildings essential to business operations on either private/residential property

• Job creation/retention

• Address unmet economic recovery needs from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters

• Demonstrate clear benefits to the fire-affected community or vulnerable populations

Insurance requirements:

• Businesses located within a 100-year floodplain and awarded funds for mortgage assistance, inventory or equipment expenses must maintain building or contents flood insurance for the life of the loan or grant agreement. This tool can help you determine if your business is in a floodplain.

To qualify for the PIER Grant, your business must be considered a microenterprise, which means you have five or fewer employees total — including yourself as the owner. This includes: Full-time and part-time employees Anyone who receives a paycheck or W-2 from your business You, the business owner (if actively involved) It does not include: Independent contractors (1099 workers) Volunteers Unpaid family members If you’re not sure whether your business qualifies, we’re happy to help you figure it out. Email us at pier@ivcdo.org or call 541-592-4440.

• Internet & Printing Access:

  Visit Jackson County Library Services.
  Roslyn Donald, Business Librarian, is available to assist:
  rdonald@jcls.org | 541-734-3992
  www.jcls.org/business

  IF you need to submit a handwritten application, please contact us for instructions at 541-592-4440 or email pier@ivcdo.org

The PIER (Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization) Grant Program is a community-informed funding opportunity designed to support small and micro-businesses in Jackson County that were impacted by the 2020 wildfires. Backed by local partnerships and strategic planning, PIER helps businesses recover, rebuild, and grow — with real dollars and real support.

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) administers the Planning, Infrastructure, and Economic Revitalization (PIER) program with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help communities recover from the 2020 Labor Day Disasters. The PIER program provides financial support to the eight most affected counties, addressing unmet recovery needs, helping to rebuild infrastructure, and supporting economic revitalization efforts.

The Microenterprise Grant Program and Jackson County PIER Revolving Loan Fund projects were recommended by the regional selection committee and were launched by IVCanDO to support microenterprises and small businesses impacted by the 2020 Labor Day fires in Jackson County. These programs prioritize access, equity, and long-term success for businesses. It’s more than funding — it’s a community-led investment in the people and places that make Southern Oregon thrive.

To be eligible, you must:

✔️ Own a for-profit business in Jackson County, Oregon

✔️ Have been impacted by the 2020 wildfires

✔️ Operate a microenterprise (with 5 or fewer employees, including the owner)

✔️ Meet HUD income guidelines for low- to moderate-income households

✔️ Grants are for microbusinesses with 5 or fewer

✔️ Loans (COMING SOON!) are for small businesses (under 100 employees)

Absolutely! Please help spread the word. The more community voices we hear, the stronger and more inclusive the plan will be.

Most people complete it in 5–10 minutes. Your time is valuable, and your input will go directly into shaping long-term community outcomes.

Yes. Personal details are optional, and all responses will be reviewed anonymously unless you opt to share your contact information for follow-up.

It’s a community-informed roadmap that helps guide future priorities, projects, and partnerships in our region. The plan reflects what matters most to the people who live and work here.

You’ll be asked about your priorities, concerns, and vision for the Valley. There are also opportunities to share ideas, identify key issues, and express how you’d like to be involved.

The feedback will be analyzed by the project team and used to inform the final Strategic Plan. A summary of key themes and community priorities will be shared publicly

Visithttps://ivcdo.org/strategic-plan/ to stay updated on the planning process and future opportunities to participate.

Anyone who lives in, works in, owns a business in, or cares about the Illinois Valley is encouraged to take the survey.

This is a collaborative effort led by a local steering committee made up of community members, organizations, and partners. IVCanDO is helping support the process, but the plan belongs to all of us.

Your voice helps set the direction for the Valley’s future. The survey is one of the main tools for gathering community input. It ensures that the plan reflects real needs, hopes, and ideas from people across our region.

The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is a financial resource designed to support small businesses in the Illinois Valley and Josephine County. It offers loans ranging from $200 to $25,000 with favorable terms to assist businesses in startup or expansion phases. Since its inception, the RLF has disbursed over $1.8 million in loans, bolstering local economic growth.

Volunteering with IVCanDO is a meaningful way to contribute to community development. Opportunities range from participating in environmental projects to assisting with events. Interested individuals can sign up through the IVCanDO website.

Organizations interested in partnering with IVCanDO can reach out via the contact information provided on their website. Partnerships can involve collaborative projects, resource sharing, and joint community initiatives.

IVCanDO collaborates with organizations like KS Wild to promote forest and fire preparedness through resources like the Forest & Fire Toolkit. They also engage in projects aimed at reducing fire fuels and enhancing forest resiliency.

IVCanDO partners with Energy Trust of Oregon to provide free home energy assessments for qualifying residents. These assessments can lead to incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, helping households reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

Cans for Kids is an initiative where community members can donate Oregon 10-cent deposit bottles and cans. Proceeds from these donations support youth-focused programs in the Illinois Valley, including sports teams and educational initiatives.

This program assists eligible households in transitioning to modern, efficient heat pumps that provide both heating and cooling. The initiative aims to enhance comfort, reduce energy costs, and lower environmental impact in Josephine County.

IVCanDO has supported various recreational projects, including improvements to the Illinois River Forks State Park and the Rough and Ready Botanical Wayside. These efforts focus on increasing accessibility, safety, and recreational opportunities for the community.

To stay informed about IVCanDO’s programs, events, and opportunities, individuals can sign up for their monthly newsletter through the website. The newsletter provides updates on ongoing projects and ways to get involved.

IVCanDO serves the Illinois River Valley in rural Southwestern Oregon, including communities such as Cave Junction, Kerby, Selma, O’Brien, Takilma, and surrounding areas.

All applications submitted before August 16th will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. The applications will then be reviewed by a committee and scored based on our rubric to determine who receives grant awards.